Sumedang. A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 occurred in the Sumedang Regency in West Java at 8:34 PM local time on Sunday. Previously, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 occurred in Sumedang around 2:35 PM on the same day. Due to this earthquake in Sumedang, 53 buildings in the Babakan Hurip Village were reported to have suffered damage, and 200 residents evacuated

The seismic activity caused cracks in various infrastructures, including the twin tunnels of the Cisumdawu Toll Road and the walls of the local regional general hospital. Concerns among citizens have risen, fearing that the cracks may eventually lead to collapse.

Abdul Muhari, Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disaster Management of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), revealed that the Local Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has conducted a rapid situational assessment and documented the impact of the damage in the field. A preliminary visual report indicates minor to moderate damage to some houses and schools, especially in the Babakan Hurip area, Sumedang.

"The 4.8 magnitude earthquake caused slight cracks in the walls of the twin tunnels of the Cisumdawu Toll Road. The management has conducted assessments and deemed necessary actions. Despite the cracks, it is temporarily ensured not to disrupt traffic, and the situation remains safely controlled," he said on Monday.

The Ministry of Public Works and People's Housing (PUPR) clarified that it is not a crack. Director General of Highways at the PUPR, Hedy Rahadian, said that the Sumedang earthquake did not affect the Cisumdawu Toll Road tunnels.

"That is not a crack but accumulated dust due to the unevenness of the construction joint," said Hedy when confirmed on Monday.

In a brief video shared by the ministry, personnel wearing yellow vests were seen wiping what was presumed to be cracks in the Cisumdawu Toll Road tunnels.

Meanwhile, patients at the regional general hospital RSUD Sumedang have been evacuated to emergency tents, as confirmed by the Acting Regent of Sumedang, Herman Suryatman.

"The situation at RSUD Sumedang is under control, with three buildings experiencing cracks. All patients have been evacuated to the five provided tents," Herman said while inspecting the emergency tents on Monday.

Herman added that hundreds of homes were affected by the earthquake, with a total of 238 houses impacted. Among them, 138 houses suffered moderate damage, while 109 houses incurred severe damage.

Furthermore, Acting Regent Herman Suryatman assured that there were no casualties.

The analysis by the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) indicates that the active fault activity of Cileunyi-Tanjungsari likely caused this earthquake. 

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